Laguna Hills to stay out of San Onofre issue

LAGUNA HILLS – A city official's proposal to marshal the council's support for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's investigation of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station failed to garner any backing Tuesday evening.

Councilwoman Melody Carruth asked her colleagues to send a letter to the NRC and elected officials urging a "full and complete investigation" into the steam generators inside the plant's two reactors, which have been offline since January 2012 after inspections showed unexpected wear.

Carruth wanted the letter to urge the NRC to require Southern California Edison get a license amendment before restarting Unit 2, the reactor that the utility has asked the commission to allow it to restart.

Edison has petitioned to restart the reactor at 70 percent power, a level expected to eliminate the vibrations believed to have worn down generator tubes that carry radioactive water.

Carruth also requested the council send a letter to Edison and the California Public Utility Commission asking about costs to ratepayers because of the extended shutdown, as well as about Edison's plans to develop alternative energy programs.

Frank Wasco, an Edison spokesman and only public speaker on the item Tuesday evening, said the NRC investigation is ongoing, and that Edison announced plans March 22 to discuss with the NRC a possible license-amendment proceeding for the nuclear plant, which Edison formerly opposed.

The state California Public Utility Commission in October began a state-mandated, 18-month investigation into how much the shutdown has cost ratepayers, Wasco said.

Carruth said her interest in communicating with Edison was prompted by a letter the company sent to city councils earlier this year requesting input.

Her main concern is to ensure the utility doesn't sacrifice safety as it rushes to restarting its reactor before summer arrives, Carruth said after her motion fell flat.

Some Orange County cities, including Irvine, San Clemente and Laguna Beach, have taken a position with regards to the beleaguered plant.

Others, including Huntington Beach, have opted to stay away from the controversial issue.